Shangri-La Colombo Appoints Andreas Streiber as General Manager

Shangri-La Colombo Appoints Andreas Streiber as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2026

Shangri-La Colombo has announced the appointment of Andreas Streiber as its new General Manager, effective immediately. A seasoned hospitality professional, Andreas brings decades of global experience across upscale hotel operations, with a strong focus on guest engagement, operational excellence, and sustainable business performance.

Prior to joining Shangri-La Colombo, Andreas served as General Manager of Shangri-La Bengaluru, India. His association with the Shangri-La Group spans an impressive 25 years, during which he has held several senior leadership roles across China and India. Throughout his journey, he has played a key role in driving brand growth, service innovation, and operational performance across diverse markets.

In addition to his extensive experience within the Shangri-La Group, Andreas has also worked with internationally recognised hospitality brands including Hyatt Hotels and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. This broad exposure has strengthened his expertise across hotel operations, food and beverage, sales and marketing, financial planning, and talent development.

Known for his strategic leadership style, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to service excellence, Andreas will oversee the overall strategic direction and daily operations of Shangri-La Colombo. His focus will remain on enhancing guest experiences, empowering teams, and reinforcing the hotel’s position as one of Colombo’s most distinguished urban hospitality destinations.

Commenting on his appointment, Andreas Streiber said, “I am delighted to take on this role at Shangri-La Colombo and to work alongside a passionate team committed to heartfelt hospitality. Colombo is a vibrant destination, and I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong foundations while creating meaningful experiences for our guests and colleagues alike.”


Spice Route Restaurant & Catering Appoints Amit Prakash as Business Operations Specialist

Spice Route Restaurant & Catering Appoints Amit Prakash as Business Operations Specialist

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 29, 2026

Spice Route Restaurant & Catering has announced the appointment of Amit Prakash as its new Business Operations Specialist, further strengthening the restaurant’s leadership team with extensive international hospitality and operational experience.

With close to 18 years of experience across India, Canada, and New Zealand, Amit Prakash has built strong expertise in restaurant operations, culinary management, guest relations, and team leadership. His appointment reflects Spice Route Restaurant & Catering’s continued focus on operational excellence while delivering authentic culinary experiences and premium hospitality services in New Jersey.

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Before joining Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit served as Restaurant Manager at Khazana Indian Restaurant. In this role, he contributed to improving operational systems, enhancing guest satisfaction, and maintaining high service standards, while supporting the restaurant’s smooth day-to-day operations.

Over the years, Amit has worked with several well-known hospitality brands including Punjab Grill Restaurant, WE Restaurant & Bar, Columbus Coffee, Cafe Espressoholic, Chandnee Contemporary Indian Cuisine Restaurant, and The Oberoi. His experience spans Modern Indian cuisine, restaurant administration, food quality management, staff training, and multi-cuisine operations.

During his time at Punjab Grill Restaurant as Senior Sous Chef, Amit worked closely with the Executive Chef to introduce innovative fusion dishes inspired by North Indian cuisine. He also managed a kitchen brigade of more than 40 team members while ensuring high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality control.

As Executive Chef at WE Restaurant & Bar, he expanded the restaurant’s culinary offerings by introducing Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisine concepts. He also oversaw kitchen operations and operational compliance across departments.

Amit further gained international operational experience at Columbus Coffee in New Zealand, where he worked as Head Chef & Café Manager. His responsibilities included operations management, inventory control, SOP implementation, and employee training and development.

In his new role at Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit Prakash will oversee business operations, process optimization, vendor coordination, customer service standards, staff supervision, and strategic growth initiatives to further strengthen the brand’s presence in New Jersey’s hospitality market.


PRISM Expands U.S. Extended-Stay Portfolio with 38 New Hotel Openings under Studio 6

PRISM Expands U.S. Extended-Stay Portfolio with 38 New Hotel Openings under Studio 6

By Hariharan U

Published on May 26, 2026

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.

The portfolio spans major gateway cities such as New York, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix, along with business hubs including Charlotte, St Louis, Richmond, and Indianapolis. It also includes leisure-focused destinations like Las Vegas and suburban markets such as Oakland, Greenville, and Pasadena.

The Studio 6 brand focuses on extended-stay accommodations designed for guests staying several days to weeks. The properties typically offer kitchenettes, workspaces, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and flexible housekeeping services, catering to corporate travellers, relocating families, and project-based professionals.

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Each hotel features approximately 100–120 rooms, a configuration that supports operational efficiency while serving consistent long-stay demand. PRISM is positioning the segment as a high-efficiency hospitality model, driven by lower turnover costs, reduced housekeeping frequency, and improved occupancy stability.

The company has stated that the expansion is part of its broader strategy to transition from a domestic hospitality platform to a globally scaled operator, leveraging India-built technology, AI systems, and revenue management tools across its international portfolio.

Speaking on the development, PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.

The portfolio spans major gateway cities such as New York, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix, along with business hubs including Charlotte, St Louis, Richmond, and Indianapolis. It also includes leisure-focused destinations like Las Vegas and suburban markets such as Oakland, Greenville, and Pasadena.

The Studio 6 brand focuses on extended-stay accommodations designed for guests staying several days to weeks. The properties typically offer kitchenettes, workspaces, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and flexible housekeeping services, catering to corporate travellers, relocating families, and project-based professionals.

Each hotel features approximately 100–120 rooms, a configuration that supports operational efficiency while serving consistent long-stay demand. PRISM is positioning the segment as a high-efficiency hospitality model, driven by lower turnover costs, reduced housekeeping frequency, and improved occupancy stability.

The company has stated that the expansion is part of its broader strategy to transition from a domestic hospitality platform to a globally scaled operator, leveraging India-built technology, AI systems, and revenue management tools across its international portfolio.

Speaking on the development, Ritesh Agarwal said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.

The latest rollout follows PRISM’s approximately $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality and builds on earlier phases that included eight initial hotel openings, followed by 30 additional properties in the current expansion cycle.

The move highlights growing momentum in the U.S. extended-stay segment, which continues to attract investor interest due to stable demand patterns and efficient operating economics.

 said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.

The latest rollout follows PRISM’s approximately $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality and builds on earlier phases that included eight initial hotel openings, followed by 30 additional properties in the current expansion cycle.

The move highlights growing momentum in the U.S. extended-stay segment, which continues to attract investor interest due to stable demand patterns and efficient operating economics.


Saudia Becomes First in Middle East & Africa to Take Delivery of Airbus A321XLR

Saudia Becomes First in Middle East & Africa to Take Delivery of Airbus A321XLR

By Hariharan U

Published on May 26, 2026

Saudia has announced the induction of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa region to operate the new-generation long-range narrow-body aircraft.

The delivery marks a significant step in Saudia’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, aimed at improving operational efficiency, expanding international connectivity, and enhancing overall passenger experience. With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and flight endurance of around nine hours, the aircraft allows the airline to operate longer routes using a more efficient narrow-body configuration.

The aircraft also debuts “The New Saudia Experience,” the airline’s refreshed onboard product focused on comfort, connectivity, entertainment, dining, and service consistency. The cabin features 24 Business Class suites designed for privacy and premium comfort, along with 120 Economy Class seats equipped with larger personal screens and charging ports.

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High-speed inflight connectivity will enable passengers to browse, stream content, and attend virtual meetings during flights. Business Class travellers will also benefit from an enhanced dining experience, including chef-curated menus featuring Saudi and international cuisine.

Speaking on the milestone, Ibrahim Al-Omar said the delivery reflects the airline’s broader transformation strategy, focusing not only on capacity expansion but also on elevating product quality and operational performance in line with national aviation ambitions.

The aircraft induction is part of Saudia Group’s wider order of 105 Airbus aircraft, which is also expected to generate economic value through local supplier development and integration into global aviation supply chains.

Saudia is scheduled to add 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft by 2027 as part of its expansion roadmap, supporting network growth across tourism, business travel, pilgrimage, and major international events aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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